By Nathan Rice

I know it’s technically still summer, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it to me. Kids are back in school, the temperature has started to drop, and the sun is setting earlier every day.

I’m not too happy about any of this, because I love the summer. I enjoy the hot weather and the longer amounts of sunlight in which to enjoy the day. I know that each season must come and go, but I’m always sad when the summer draws to a close. I feel like I lose a little bit of freedom every day as the hours of sunlight become less and less.

This is the time of year when many people start retreating indoors, and it’s no different with kids. The shorter days and time spent in school and on homework can make it difficult for kids to enjoy the outdoors.

It won’t be the same as summer break, but there are still things we can do to ensure children are spending time outside during the next couple of months. We live in an area where the temperature normally stays decent for a little while longer, so there are still many chances to enjoy the great outdoors.

First, be sure to give kids the chance to go outside before the sun has set. It’s important to complete homework, but some time spent outside can allow them to clear their minds and burn some energy before returning to their scholarly duties. Every family schedule is different, but we should remember that homework can be completed once the sun is down, but playing outside might not be feasible after sunset.

The weekend is also a great time to enjoy some of the final weeks of the nicer weather. There is a lot that can be done in these two days to break free from the inside.

The cooler weather makes this a great time to visit the Great Dismal Swamp. The walking trails give adults and kids alike a chance to be in nature without ever leaving our city. These trails also give you a chance to talk with each other, providing a great opportunity to discuss the new school year or anything else that happens to be on their hearts and minds.

Many kids may enjoy a day centered around a local college football game. Find a game that you can attend and plan to spend additional time outside before the game. This can be done by tailgating at the stadium or parking early and walking to a nearby restaurant for a meal before the game. Our area has several options, and we are lucky to have so many local teams we can support.

Other simple things such as a visit to the playground on a Saturday morning or a picnic on Sunday afternoon at a local park can make a fun day. Sometimes all it takes to enjoy a fall afternoon is a Frisbee or a football and an open space in which to play.

Additional ways to enjoy the great outdoors will present themselves once fall is fully in swing. Our area is rich with opportunities for fall activities. There will be apple picking, Suffolk’s own Peanut Festival, Halloween activities, and fall festivals that can all be explored in the coming months. Don’t forget my favorite of picking out a pumpkin to carve, taking a hayride, getting lost in a corn maze, and petting the animals at a local farm.

Don’t shut yourself inside yet, and don’t let the kids do it either. There’s still time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Nathan Rice is a Hampton Roads native and can be reached at nrice@abnb.org.